You May Have to Wait 2 Years to Get That Security Clearance

Security clearance reform is back in the news. Congressional testimony and proposed legislation is drawing attention to the problems with the security clearance process, including a backlog of pending cases which reached 725,000. But there is another number that is much smaller, but much more significant for those awaiting a security clearance determination.

Security clearance processing times for Defense Department contractors have reached a new high—534 days. That means if you apply for a DoD clearance today, you may need to wait more than a year and a half before you receive a final determination. And that’s just the fastest 90 percent of cases. Many applicants report waiting two to three years to receive a security clearance, and their chance at a national security job.